Schools, offices shut in Tehran over high air pollutionDecember 3, 2012 - 20:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's state TV says Tehran's schools, universities and government offices will be closed for two days because of high air pollution in the capital, according to The Associated Press. The broadcast Monday, December 3 quoted Tehran governor Morteza Tamaddon as saying that banks and hospitals will remain open to provide services to the residents of the smog-filled capital. Such closures come at least once a year in the fall because of dangerous air pollution levels. The air over Iran's capital is among the most polluted in the world. Experts say many Iranians suffer serious health problems as a result. The TV report said ambulances and buses have been stationed at crowded parts of the capital for emergency assistance. Authorities have urged the elderly and children to stay home because of the health hazards of being outdoors. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |